Harris leads Heroes to victory

Hyderabad Heroes 148 for 5 (Harris 38*, Kemp 35*, Malhotra 2-22) beat Chandigarh Lions 115 for 9 (Elliott 34, Mongia 37, Harris 2-14, Absolem 2-17) by 33 runs
Scorecard

An impressive all-round display helped the Hyderabad Heroes book their place in the semi-finals with a 33-run win over the Chandigarh Lions. Chris Harris, the Heroes captain, was the star of the show, top scoring with 38 off 26 balls and picking up two wickets in his three overs.

The Lions, who were already out of the reckoning to progress further, won the toss and put the Heroes in. The had success early, with Jimmy Maher playing Ishan Malhotra straight into the hands of Lou Vincent of backward point in the first over, which was a maiden.

Abdur Razzaq brought some momentum into the innings with five boundaries during his 29, but when he and Nicky Boje fell in quick succession, the Heroes were still off the pace at 54 for 4.

Justin Kemp and Chris Harris then took charge with an unbroken 65-run stand to guide the Heroes to a challenging total of 148. Kemp hit three sixes in his 35, but Harris did more damage during his 38 off 26 deliveries. Harris' former New Zealand team-mate Daryl Tuffey suffered the most; his four overs went for 42 runs.

Matthew Elliott got the Lions off to a blazing start in response, before Alfred Absolem trapped him leg-before on 34. Ibrahim Khaleel then had a busy time behind the stumps, effecting three stumpings off three different bowlers, and the Lions were left struggling at 68 for 4.

Dinesh Mongia chipped in with 37, but the Lions couldn't make a fist of it as the Heroes sealed their spot in the semis.